Fighting Back: Thieves Stealing License Plates An Ongoing Problem

Police say thieves stealing license plates is an ongoing problem and you need to check your vehicle every time before you get in.

Last year, thieves took 402 license plates in Austin. So far this year, they've stolen 87.

Police say as the rate of stolen cars goes up, so does the theft of license plates. In most cases it's the front plate that's stolen. Criminals will take license plates from vehicles similar in color, make and model.

"While they commit other crimes, rack up toll charges or any number of things, the license plate that comes up is the license plate of the victim's vehicle. And they are liable until we can show it's not them," said Felecia Williams with the Austin Police Department.

Reporting it immediately to police will help you avoid problems. Police will enter it into the state and national data base for stolen items alerting authorities across the county.

"We encourage people to take some type of assessment of their vehicle every time you get into your car or leave somewhere," said Williams.

Also police say just like protecting your car from being stolen, park in well-lit areas and report any suspicious activity.

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